Venture & Special Assistance Grants

In addition to its allocation to member agencies, each year United Way allocates about one percent of the funds distributed from the Annual Campaign (about $25,000 annually) to Venture and Special Assistance Grants. The one-time grants help fund programs that meet the needs of our community and that fit within United Way’s funding priorities, or "investment categories". The grants are part of United Way’s effort in "Building Stronger A Community", which is one of the organization’s six Areas of Community Service. Grants were awarded to United Way member agencies as well as health and human service agencies not affiliated with United Way. Venture Grants are one-time seed grants for new and innovative projects that address community needs. Special Assistance Grants provide support for special projects that can not be funded through an organization’s regular operating budget.

Since 1993 the Helen T. Howland Foundation has contracted with the United Way to provide recommendations for funding. This arrangement builds on United Way's fund distribution strength and saves time and money for the foundation.

If you are a nonprofit organization located in Broome County and would like to apply for a grant from United Way, please read the following documents below. For more information, please e-mail Cherry Carley at ccarley@uwbroome.org. 

Issues/areas that receive funding priorities (Category Investments)

Application Instructions

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The United Way of Broome County and the Helen T. Howland Foundation have agreed to provide Venture and Special Assistance Grants, totaling $60,900, to 15 programs for 2008. Recipient programs are either innovative, new human service programs in Broome County or special one-time purchases and projects that demonstrate a high level of need.

Here are the projects and programs that are being funded by the grants, organized by investment category:

Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and Adolescent Pregnancy Services

Special assistance grant to Planned Parenthood of South Central New York, (a United Way member agency) to furnish the new-larger Teen Drop-In Center after it is relocated in January, 2008. It served an estimated 750 youth in 2006 and anticipates the number will grow in 2008 with the expanded center and programs. The grant will be used to purchase furniture and equipment for the center.  ($4,000)

Helping Young People Succeed

Program grant to Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to help fund expanding Camp Tuscarora from a six-week summer venue to a year-round program offering all season camping and programming for youth in Broome County. The grant will be used towards the new full-time camp coordinator’s salary, who will market the year round programs.  ($5,500)

Program grant to Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to target teen girls between the ages of 12 and 17 years old using a step dancing program. The activities will combine the elements of teamwork, self-esteem, discipline, and physical conditioning. Currently seen as a place for younger children, this program will attempt to change this stereotype, while preserving the basic mission of the agency to provide a safe environment with positive alternatives to destructive behavior.  ($5,600)

Program grant to Community Potential, Inc., to lead youth aged 8 to 12 years from the Binghamton Housing Authority to work together in teams with scientists, engineers, artists, and civic leaders, to design a futuristic Mars community for 100 people. This program will be an alternative to help prevent at-risk behavior, decrease the number of youth involved in criminal activity, decrease the substance abuse cases among these youth, and increase both school attendance and an interest in science.  ($3,250)

Special assistant grant to Cornell Cooperative Extension  to support a one-day conference by the Forum of Youth Investment to work with local community members in the initiative to ensure young people are ready for work, college, and life by age 21. This will be achieved by creating a web of community supports which requires sustained, coordinated planning, and decision-making. ($4,500)

Program grant to Kopernik Observatory and Science Education Center to provide hands-on science outreach program to all eighth grade students at West and East Middle Schools in Binghamton. These will provide a range of activity including science, astronomy, geology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. ($4,600)

Program grant to Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to promote health and wellness for its members, ages 6 to 18. The program will help young people become healthy, active, and learn new ways to handle stress, maintain a healthy body, and form positive relationships. The grant will cover purchase of equipment used in the program.  ($4,000)

Special assistance grant to Girl Scouts, Indian Hills Council, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to upgrade the Health Center at the Amahami Outdoor Center by replacing the bed mattresses, installing air conditioning, and purchasing an automated external defibrillator. These items will improve the conditions that ensure the health, safety, and comfort of all campers.  ($1,000)

Maintaining Independence of Older Adults

Program grant to ACCORD, a Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to purchase brochures, flyers, and radio advertising to educate the community about the Assisted Senior Communication program. This new program is designed to help seniors and those who care about them in their discussion of planning and decision-making issues involved with aging. The targeted population will be the most needy and high risk older adults, their families, and/or agencies that serve them.  ($1,969)

Special assistance grant to Action for Older Persons, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to purchase 9-1-1 Beacon flashing lights bulbs to be distributed to about 640 adults aged 75 or older in Broome County’s eastern rural townships, where there are many seniors living alone and areas where addresses are not clearly marked, houses are far off the road, and no street lights. The flashing signal from these 9-1-1 Beacon bulbs will hasten rescue response time.  ($3,000)

Quality Child Care

Special assistance grant to Broome County Head Start to provide electrical hook-ups and installations for the Lourdes Mobil Dental Unit so that it will be able to serve the children and families at the Head Start Centers in Endicott, Whitney Point, and Harpursville. A total of 242 children, ages 3 to 5, are houses at the three centers. ($7,193)

Special assistance grant to Mom’s House of Endicott, Inc., to allow it to purchase a storage shed as well as maintenance and yard tools. With a recent move to a new location, the staff has the new responsibility of the upkeep of the new building and yard. The tools and accessories will be used by the clients, children, staff, and the volunteers. ($2,000)

Special assistance grant to YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County to purchase supplies and equipment for the newly renovated classrooms in the child care center. These will include toys, learning materials, teacher supplies, furniture, lofts, rugs, lighting, cultural and family displays, plants, and other items that help provide real-life experience.  ($7,250)

Health

Special assistance grant to SOS Shelter, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to purchase and install secured monitor equipment. At present, the confidential shelter has no security monitors at any of its emergency entrances or building accesses. Staff as well as residents and clients feel insecure and unsafe when answering a door when they can not see who is at the door.  ($3,048)

Basic Material Needs

Program grant to Fairview Recovery Services, Inc., to purchase and provide basic clothing and hygiene items to approx. 960 individuals. This will include providing basic necessities once a month to those in need but not residing in the Addiction Crisis Center due to filled capacity or other reason.  ($3,990)

ACCORD, a Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.

Project P.E.A.C.E. (1999)

CASA volunteers and mediator recruitment and training resources (2004)

Establishment of a divorce mediation program in Broome County (2007)

Action for Older Persons, Inc.

Publish and distribute an updated "Broome County Elder Services Guide" (2003)

Health insurance outreach campaign for minority seniors (2006)

ADRDA, Inc. (Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association)

In-home respite for caregivers of dementia patients (1999)

Simple pleasures at home (2000)

Grant to the RACERS (Reaching Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers Through Education and Rural Support) program to provide services to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (2002)

Binghamton Association for the Education of Young Children

Pilot program at seven participating childcare centers using the Partners for Learning curriculum and assessment model developed by Dr. Craig Ramey (2002)

Binghamton Rotary Charities, Inc.

Supply all Head Start and public elementary school nurses in Broome County with a "head lice tool kit" to use in dealing with head lice among the students (2002)

Blind Work Association, Inc.

Purchase of safety equipment for high-risk elderly, including smoke alarms and locks for 1,000 legally blind people age 60 or older, and financial assistance for installation of this equipment in partnership with the First Ward Action Council (2002)

Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council, Inc.

Child protection training program (1999)

Camp kids need a break, too (2000)

Purchase of bicycles and helmets for the Trail Masters program, a week-long adventure at Camp Tuscarora for youngsters, ages 14-21 (2003)

Week-long day camp for youth in the ARC program (2007)

Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton, Inc.

Nova Net--youth link to learning program (2000)

Fitness, Health, and Nutrition Center (2001)

Purchase of tables and chairs to fill the gap in seating shortage for youth programs, including the expanded technology center (2002)

Multi-media arts program for children, ages 5-18 (2003)

Resident camp/cabin project at Camp Sertoma (2004)

Percussion music program for kids, ages 6 to 17 (2005)

Replace pool liner and install proper drainage around pool at Camp Sertoma (2006)

Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome, Inc.

Exercise and nutritional instruction for adolescent girls who are above normal weight for their height and age (2003)

Broome County Council of Churches

Transportation initiative/interfaith volunteer caregiver (2000)

Project HOPE (2001)

Purchase of materials to allow a newly renovated warehouse to provide fresh produce to 21 Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) food pantries and the Broome Bounty program (2002)

Hiring of a part-time volunteer coordinator and providing volunteers with mileage reimbursement (2003)

Implement 10 Trust in the Lives of Older Women groups (2006)

Broome County YMCA

Infant and toddler room update (2001)

New and safer basketball hoops for the gym (2005)

Purchase adaptive equipment to help children with different levels of special needs (2006)

Broome Community College Foundation

Early educator's conference (2004)

Professional development activities for local child care directors (2006)

Broome County Urban League, Inc.

Van purchase challenge (2001)

Offer special programs to at-risk youth (2007)

Broome County YMCA

Infant and toddler room update (2001)

New and safer basketball hoops for the gym (2005)

Provide staff supervision for Community Midnight Basketball program (2007)

Broome Library Foundation

Summer reading program for kids and their families (2005)

Broome-Tioga ARC

Program to provide assistance in navigating the guardianship process for those with a disabled relative (2007)

Broome-Tioga BOCES

A study of 15 local school districts to identify options for improving efficiency of service and/or making improvements in the quality of educational opportunities for the 38,000 students the districts served. (2005)

Catholic Charities Gateway Center for Youth

A free youth counseling program for 80 young people, ages 11 to 21 (2005)

Catholic Social Services of Broome County

Active parenting of teens educational materials (2000)

Catholic Youth Organization

Creation of Youth Adventure Leadership Program (2007)

The Center for Adolescent Services

Male teen sexuality group (1999)

Male teen sexuality group "Testosterone Talk" and rural counseling groups (2000)

Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference

Juvenile justice detention diversion (2001)

Parents' Night Out (parent education and support program) (2004)

Preventing children from relapsing into former unhealthy behavior or criminal activities  (2006)

Conklin Ave. First Baptist Church

Urban community youth mentorship (2004)

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County

Urban youth workforce preparation (2001)

Program grant to open a Family Support Center in Endicott (2003)

Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc.

Stopping the cycle of violence (1999)

Day Nursery Association, Inc.

Hiring of a part-time education coordinator (2003)

Purchase of two-way radios to allow communication among the agency's three sites during an emergency (2007)

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier

Program for high-risk youth (2007)

Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton

Create part-time position to offer case management for area residents with epilepsy (2006)

Fairview Recovery Services, Inc.

Purchase, stocking, and distribution of basic clothing to individuals in need (2003)

Staff training for Homeless Management Information System, which collects and shares data about homelessness in Broome County (2006)

Family and Children’s Society of Broome County, Inc.

School-based family support centers (1999)

Early intervention alternative to violence (2001)

Treatment of youthful sexual aggression (2001)

Teach alternatives to teens identified as physically, verbally, or emotionally violent to others  (2005)

Family Enrichment Network, Inc.

Preschool special education services (2004)

Provide information to local childcare providers about link between chronic disease and lack of physical activity (2006)

Purchase computer equipment for technology center (2007)

Ferre Institute, Inc.

Improving access for genetic counseling patients (2004)

First Ward Action Council

Home repairs for seniors (2001)

Foundation of State University of New York at Binghamton, Inc.

Women as leaders (2000)

Family mentoring program (2004)

Provide information to older adults about stroke identification and treatment (2005)

Action plan to support families in two areas of Binghamton with children, birth to age 5 (2006)

Program to allow high-risk students from Broome County to attend statewide Empire Promise Youth Summit (2007)

Girl Scouts, Indian Hills Council, Inc.

Adventure challenge course (1999)

Summer day camp program (2000)

Health relationships patch program (2001)

Rebuilding the high ropes portion, including six elements and a climbing wall, of the Adventure Challenge Course at Amahami Outdoor Center (2002)

Purchase equipment for canoe interests group, the Susquehanna River Raiders (2007)

Handicapped Children’s Association of Southern New York, Inc.

Otacoustic testing (2001)

Purchase of a used pediatric power wheelchair (2003)

Jewish Community Center of Binghamton

Establish mobile science center within early childhood center (2006)

Johnson City Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

Implementation of an outreach program to Laotian elderly within Broome County (2003)

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

Create multilingual reading room for low-income individuals, primarily refugees and other recent immigrants (2006)

Literacy Volunteers of Broome/Tioga, Inc.

Reach Out to Read media campaign (2000)

Replace and update training and tutorial materials (2002)

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, Inc.

Helping hands project (2000)

Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, Inc.

Socialization/theater project (2001)

Everyday courage: a mental health education pilot program for Windsor High School (2004)

Mom’s House of Endicott New York, Inc.

Mom’s House program adjustments targeted at welfare reform (1999)

Kitchen renovation (2000)

Literacy enhancement program of reading and writing skills in preparation for kindergarten (2002)

Nutrition instruction to parents (2003)

Purchase of new property that will help expand the daycare center’s facilities to include an outdoor play area for kids (2005)

New Life Ministries

Expansion of the food pantry to provide more food to those in need (2005)

Opportunities for Broome, Inc.

Four-day orientation and training for the staff of a new child care center in Endicott (2007)

Our Lady of Lourdes Arthritis Center

Improving the quality of life for older adults with arthritis through group support for weight management (1999)

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Youth Services Department

Family support program for pregnant and parenting teens (1999)

Young parent support program (2000)

Development of Wilderness Adventure Therapy Program, a non-traditional therapeutic setting to serve at-risk youth (2002)

Organization of a conference for at-risk teens, 14 to 17, including forums and workshops run by other young people (2005)

Full day conference about infant and toddler behavior featuring a nationally known expert (2007)

Planned Parenthood of South Central New York

Teen drop-in center for teens to get information and talk to trained staff members (2004)

Creation of materials for parents and their children concerning sex, pregnancy, and health-related issues (2005)

Recess Resources, Inc.

Purchase furnishings and equipment for its school age child care center and pre-school program (2006)

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Exercise classes targeting people with arthritis (2006)

Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Inc.

Northern Broome transportation partnership program (2000)

Northern Broome transportation program (2001)

Prescription assistance to individuals who are ineligible for public health insurance (2006)

Southern Tier Celebrates!

Art program targeting "at-risk" youth (2005)

Southern Tier Institute for Arts in Education

Art training to local preschools, pre-kindergarten, child care centers, and three Broome County libraries as part of their children’s hour programs (2002)

SOS Shelter

Purchase and distribution of 44 cameras to local law enforcement agencies to aid in responding to domestic violence calls. (2005)

Purchase and install outdoor lights for shelter building. (2006)

Trinity Memorial Church

After school program to help young people gain better social skills and do better in school  (2005)

Veterans Services Center

Establishment of a support group for veterans who have committed felony crimes. The program addresses the unique mental health needs of veterans (2005)

Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc.

Fire safety equipment for emergency men's shelter (2004)

Purchase breathalyzers to identify alcohol problems more quickly among residents of its emergency shelter (2006)

Purchase of video equipment and workbooks for use in weekly lifeskills training workshops on many topics (2007)

Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center

Day camp scholarships (2000)

Summer camp (2001)

Scholarships to low income children to attend a camp at the center during school breaks and holidays (2002)

Teen explorations in conservation (2004)

Safe and stimulating outdoor skills course for youth (2006)

Whitney Point Preschool and Daycare

Playground expansion, speakers and library resource materials (2000)

Grant to build a 5,000 square-foot child care and pre-school center (2002)

YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County

Cross-program recreational enhancement (1999)

Kids Korner renovation (2001)

Purchase of supplies to develop a resource room for mothers and children (2002)

Purchase of materials and equipment for Kids Korner childcare program, replacing worn out  equipment and supplies (2003)

Computer lab for YWRAP program (2004)

Updated: September 7, 2007